The price of a re-gear at dealer

[lucky dog]

My first post thought I would say hello and pass on a little info.
I have an 07 Silverado Z71 with the 5.3 and 3:42 gears. I pull a 6.000 lb camper and the truck needs more power, I inquired at the dealership (where I bought it from new) what it would cost to regear it.
The guy I talked to said they haven't done but a couple and he would have to look up the cost and call me back. He calls back with the price of $1600 for the back and $1400 for the front. I think I will have to save my lunch money and stay out of the hills.

[mehoff400]

thats a crazy price i know a place around here that would do both front and rear for the same price as one axle.... but you would probability be better just doing intake exhaust and chip it

[silveradotrailblazer]

That price from dealer is crazy. Shop where i worked did front and rear for 1,400.00. this included new bearings, seals and we would change gear lube after 500 breakin. we used precision gears and never had probloms. good luck

[tlperry68]

That is pretty high. I would look into the Eaton Posi (not the e locker) for the rear. It throws out into limited slip while you corner. And a regular front diff. The rear should cost about 550 or so, not too sure about the front. I'd say that 3.73's will help but if you go closer to the 4's you will loose a lot of economy.
I had the 05 F-150 with the 5.4 and 3.73 or so gear ratio. My trailer weighds 8000 pounds and it was a bit much for that drivetrain. I think you are fine at 6000 pounds with a newer rear end. Be careful of over powering the motor and not compensating the tranny / rear end.

[lucky dog]

I thought that was a pretty crazy price. I live in the largest city in downstate IL and this was one of the largest Chevy dealers in the area. A dealership is about my only option as I don't have the skills nor equipment to do the job myself and wouldn't trust just anybody. Anyway, just thought I would let you know what they quoted me.

[kinglt1]

Hell, I would throw on a cai intake, tb spacer, and maybe a bullydog gas programmer. This stuff should pick you up 40hp and 2mpg anyway. All this stuff should cost about 600.00 bucks andy its easy to install. Sounds like alot better route to take over spending 3000.00 on gear swaps.

[lucky dog]

Wouldn't those modifications void my warranty? I will probably trade it in before the 5 yr or 100,00 mi are up for a new 2500HD so the gears would probably be my best choice. The truck does pretty good pulling the 28 ft, 6000lb travel trailer on the prairie but has to work on the steeper grades. My manual says the 3.42 and 3.73 gears are rated at the same 7700lbs, I would only be gaining extra towing capacity by going to the 4.10 which increases it by 1000lbs or so.

[tbplus10]

For pulling that weight load 4.10's would do much better, it'll keep the RPMs a little higher and run you more in the top of the power band. Unloaded mileage will go down but it wont be hurt to bad if you adjust your speeds a little lower.
I'd be willing to bet theres a couple real good off-road shops in your area that have a great reputation and stand behind their work. Talk to some of the local guys that have lifted trucks they could probably give you recomendations on which shops do the best work.
Dealerships always charge more than local shops and there are people that'll pay the price, but you dont have to for the same quality of work. While a gear change isnt the kind of job an inexperienced mechanic should jump right into a good shop should be able to do the job at least half the price the dealership is quoting you.
For any warranty concerns look at the Magnussen Moss act, this basically states the manufacturer must prove the modification was the cause of any damage your trying to have repaired under warranty.
I've seen verry few warranty claims refused for gear swaps.

[lucky dog]

Thanks to all for the advice.

[Psyc0]

Randy's Ring & Pinion.